The FARM Institute is, a 162­ acre teaching farm on the island of Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, providing year-round, farm-based educational programs. Programs focus on farming, sustainability, nutrition, and land stewardship.

The Farm Institute’s Farm Camp seeks to create a safe, accessible, fun, and enriching educational environment for all campers. By incorporating STEM standard-based lessons with farm chores, projects, and games, our campers make real-life connections to what they learn in school while strengthening their connection to the food we eat and the land that sustain us.

Position Summary:

Camp Educators, also referred to as Farm-Based Educators (FBEs) are responsible for the implementation, and evaluation of farm­based educational programming during 9 weeks of summer programs. Development of programming is encouraged but we also provide pre-planned lessons to give farm-based educators a launching point. These programs include a week­long day camp for ages 4­-17, daily programs for visitors, and parent and child programs for 2-­4 year olds. We are also hiring for a Wee Farmers teacher (ages 2-4) and for part-time Farm-Based Educators. If you have a specialty in early childhood education, or are looking for part time, please view those postings here. Educators are expected to model and impart The FARM Institute mission and values through example and engagement with their students, families, and farm visitors. FBEs will work with different age groups throughout the summer and should be prepared to perform other farm work if necessary.

Duration of Employment and Required Hours (Full Time):

Orientation is mandatory and will run for 10 days between Monday, June 10th and Friday, June 21st. Our summer programming is 9 weeks in duration – beginning Monday June 24th, 2019 and ending August 23rd, 2019. Full time work hours are from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday ­ Friday. Full day camp groups are in session from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM.

Duration of Employment and Required Hours (Part Time):

Orientation is mandatory for both full time and part time staff and will run for 10 days between Monday, June 10th and Friday, June 21st. Our summer programming is 9 weeks in duration – beginning Monday June 24th, 2019 and ending August 23rd, 2019. Part time work hours are available from 8:00am to 1:00pm Monday-Thursday and 8:00am to 3:30pm on Friday. Half day camp groups are in session from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm.

Extra work hours are required for Meals in the Meadow, our annual farm to table fundraiser and the 4th of July Parade. Additional hours are available for farm stand help, engagement and workshop programming assistance, as well as weekly farmer’s market half days on Saturdays.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• • Support the well-­being of self, campers, and fellow staff

  • Design and implement curriculum based on food, farming, and resource management with support from The FARM Institute’s staff

  • Lead an age specific group of students for week-­long programs: Ages 4, 5­-6, 7-­9, 10-­13

  • Plan daily age appropriate activities and design weekly farm projects

  • Lead plant and animal farm chores with children

  • Maintain reflection and planning worksheets

  • Meet periodically with the Education Manager to evaluate experience and performance

  • Communicate with parents regarding questions and farm awareness

  • Lead group presentations during our weekly Friday Fiesta

  • Perform daily facility chore and lead daily classroom cleanup

  • Other responsibilities as designated by the Education Manager

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in environmental or agricultural education, the sciences, education, or other relevant course of study is preferred, but not required

• Experience working as a camp counselor, classroom teacher, or informal educator with children ages 2-13

• Experience with and enjoy working with children in an outdoor setting

• Knowledge of or interest in farm-based education, food, and sustainability

• Skills in gardening, cooking, livestock handling, environmental education, fiber arts or carpentry are preferred, but not required.

• A familiarity with The FARM Institute and The Trustees of Reservations helpful

Other Requirements:

• Must be available for camp staff training week and all 9 weeks of camp

• A satisfactory criminal background check (CORI and SORI).

• CPR and Basic First Aid certifications required by June 1st, 2019

• Able and willing to work outdoors in variable weather conditions.

• Camp Educators must be at least 18 years old

This position will fulfill internship credits for relevant majors.

Note: Although The FARM Institute is a working farm, we unfortunately do not have staff housing available. Since rental properties on the island can be difficult to come by during the summer tourist season, TFI staff acts as liaisons to aid new hires in locating and securing summer rentals.